Tinderet MP Julius Melly demands evidence over claims TSC jobs are being sold

Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly has called for evidence regarding allegations of political interference and the sale of Teachers Service Commission (TSC) jobs. Melly, who chairs the National Assembly Education Committee, stated that the committee would investigate credible complaints but would not tolerate the sale or distribution of TSC employment letters by politicians or individuals.

The controversy stems from claims that some MPs receive multiple TSC employment letters to distribute to their constituents, with one parent reportedly paying Ksh400,000 for her child's teaching job. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula also suggested that MPs may be selling job opportunities to desperate jobseekers. Melly urged Kenyans with evidence of wrongdoing to submit written complaints to the Education Committee for investigation, emphasizing that accusations without evidence would hinder Parliament's ability to address the issue.

The Education Committee would differentiate between genuine complaints and political accusations while upholding its oversight role. Melly highlighted the shortage of teachers in Kenya, coupled with a large pool of trained but unemployed graduates, and defended the government's targeted TSC recruitment, prioritizing subjects with greater staffing needs.

He also addressed the teacher internship programme, stating that teachers completing the required internship should be considered for confirmation without needing to apply again. The TSC recruitment debate has reignited concerns over the integrity of the recruitment process and the allocation of limited teaching positions, prompting the Education Committee to call for evidence-based action.